Accession Number
2018-7-20
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-7-20
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
120 cm of textual records (4 boxes)
Date
1987-2011
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material involving Shoel Silver's involvement with various Jewish organizations including B'nai Brith Canada (BBC), the Canada-Israel Committee (CIC), the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA), and the United Israel Appeal (UIA). Included are meeting minutes, reports, memoranda, correspondence, budgets, discussion documents, resource material, newspaper clippings, photocopies of newspaper articles, briefing papers, resolutions.
Custodial History
Records remained in the custody of Shoel Silver until 27 July 2018 when the OJA acquired the records from the former.
Administrative History
Shoel Silver is a Toronto businessman. He formerly co-chaired the Unity of the Jewish People Committee with Natan Sharansky. Prior to that, he was the scholar in residence for the first Federation Shabbaton.
Use Conditions
Accession is closed for 25 years from date of donation.
Subjects
Israel
Nonprofit organizations
Name Access
B'nai Brith Canada
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Jewish Agency for Israel
Silver, Shoel
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
United Israel Appeal
Places
Canada
Israel
Source
Archival Accessions
Passenger Names
Levine, Shoel
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Levine, Shoel
Page Number
672
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker, PC, QC, MP file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 6; Item 31
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker, PC, QC, MP file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
6
Item
31
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1973
Physical Description
1 negative : col.
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Personal series
Charities sub-series
Level
Sub-series
ID
Fonds 4; Series 1-2
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Solomon Edell fonds
Personal series
Charities sub-series
Level
Sub-series
Fonds
4
Series
1-2
Material Format
textual record
Date
1957-1997
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
Admin History/Bio
Sol Edell made charitable donations to a large number of Jewish organizations mainly ones located in Canada, Israel and the United States.
Scope and Content
Sub-series consists of correspondence, receipts and certificates from Canadian, American and Israeli educational, religious and welfare organizations and institutions that received charitable donations from the Edell family.
Subjects
Charities
Education
Israel
Religion
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2017-4-7
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-4-7
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
8 cm of textual records
1 photograph : col. ; 13 x 18 cm
Date
2004-2010
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a photograph of Ted Sokolsky and textual records that include: Centre Square Seniors' Centre Program and Design Brief (2004), Israel Emergency Campaign Fact Finding Trip by Ted Sokolsky and Adam Minsky (2007), Israel Emergency Campaign Proposal Draft 1 (2007) and a photo scrapbook of the Hatzor Ha'Glilit Early Childhood Centre (2010) thanking the UJA for its contribution to the construction of its new building.
Custodial History
Donated by Adam Minsky's office.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Subjects
Charities
Israel
Older people
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
4
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 29
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
29
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Thelma Harris Rose Family fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 115; Series 11; Item 10
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Thelma Harris Rose Family fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
Fonds
115
Series
11
Item
10
Material Format
object
Date
1915
Physical Description
1 purse : silver ; 11 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Item is a small silver or silver-plated purse with chain. The interior of the purse is lined with red fabric. The purse is engraved with the initials "RG" and below in smaller lettering "June 11th 1915 and ”S to R". The purse belonged to Rose Geldzaeler and was likely a gift from Samuel Aaron Harris.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Thelma Harris Rose Family fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 115; Series 11; Item 11
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Thelma Harris Rose Family fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
Fonds
115
Series
11
Item
11
Material Format
object
Date
1917
Physical Description
1 rattle : silver ; 15 cm
Scope and Content
Item is a baby rattle that belonged to Sydney Harris. It is ornately detailed and has the letters "SMH" engraved on the front.
Physical Condition
The item is tarnished but in good condition.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
John J. Glass fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 109; Series 1; Item 31
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
John J. Glass fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
Fonds
109
Series
1
Item
31
Material Format
object
Date
[19--]
Physical Description
1 letter : silver
Scope and Content
Item is a sterling silver letter A with four gems lined up side-by-side across the letter.
Physical Condition
Fair.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Executive director series
Teacher files sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 2-4; File 402
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Executive director series
Teacher files sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
2-4
File
402
Material Format
textual record
Date
1950
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing the records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Executive director series
Teacher files sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 48; Series 2-4; File 403
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Board of Jewish Education fonds
Executive director series
Teacher files sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
48
Series
2-4
File
403
Material Format
textual record
Date
1955
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Access Restriction
Closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA Director prior to accessing the records
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2006-11-2
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2006-11-2
Material Format
textual record
object
Physical Description
1 cm of textual records
1 pin
Date
[195-]-1977
Scope and Content
This accession consists of a pamphlet produced in the 1950s by the Jewish Committee of the Canadian Peace Congress; a school workbook with Hebrew writing on the front, from the Mildred Arnoff Memorial School at Beth Shalom Synagogue; a 25th Anniversary Banquet and Dance program book from the P. Ruttenberg Branch 244 of the Farband Labour Zionist Order; and a pin from the Chai Club of the BBWE of Canada.
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Events sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 14; Series 4-13; File 20
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care fonds
Women's Auxiliary series
Events sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
14
Series
4-13
File
20
Material Format
textual record
Date
1979-1980
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of records documenting the planning and celebrations for the Women's Auxiliary's silver anniversary. Included are meeting notices, agendas and minutes for the Silver Anniversary Committee, correspondence, a speech delivered by Dora Till at the Silver Anniversary meeting in Oct. 1980, agendas for the Silver Anniversary meeting, and lists of Auxiliary memberships for "Silvers". Of note are hand written reminiscences by Pearl Freedhoff describing her mother's (Esther Narval) activities at the Home for the Aged and her own memory of the dedication of the Jewish Old Folks Home.
Subjects
Anniversaries
Source
Archival Descriptions
Passenger Names
Silver, Harry
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Passenger Names
Silver, Harry
Page Number
360
Date Range
June 6, 1911 to January 19, 1915
Photographer
Harvey and Adena Glasner
Source
Rotenberg Ledger
Accession Number
2017-8-10
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-8-10
Material Format
multiple media
Physical Description
3 cm of textual records
3 photographs : b&w ; 13 x 9 cm and smaller
1 DVD
Date
[ca. 1920]-2012
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records related to the history of the Dora Wilensky Salsberg Memorial Fund at Jewish Family and Child. Included are: a Canadian Jewish News feature ("Legacy of Life") on Dora Wilensky; a Dora Wilensky Memorial Fund pamphlet; correspondence from J. B. Salsberg regarding Sharyn’s ongoing role with the Jewish Communal Service Graduate Studies Scholarship Program; correspondence regarding the Fund between Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin and Richard Cummings, Ron Levin, Gordon Wolfe, and Sam Helfenbaum; fund and endowment statements regarding the Dora Wilensky Memorial Fund; and correspondence between Sharyn and the Toronto Jewish Congress Endowment Fund. Also includes: records documenting the J. B. Salsberg Tribute Dinner held at Beth Sholom Synagogue on November 13, 1991; Canadian Jewish News and Toronto Life profiles of J. B. Salsberg; an interview of J. B. Salsberg by Sandy Naiman; J. B. Salsberg's eulogy by Irving Abella; and one DVD of a J.B. Salsberg video tribute. Also includes three photographs of J. B. Salsberg and Dora Wilensky, and four issues of various JF&CS publications.
Administrative History
Dora Wilensky Salsberg was one of Toronto’s earliest professionally trained Jewish social workers and a leader in the Canadian social work field. She was born in Russia on July 28, 1902 to Hyman and Mary Wilensky. She had three younger sisters: Bertha (b. 1903) Jenny (b. 1905), and Fagel (b.1910). In 1907, the family immigrated to Toronto where Hyman worked at a cap factory.
Dora had the highest marks in the province of Ontario upon graduating from high school and graduated as a gold medalist in modern history from McMaster University in Toronto. She initially pursued a career in teaching, but had difficulty securing a job due to discrimination. When her only job offer from Oshawa was given on the condition that she change her last name, Dora decided to become a social worker.
After studying at the New York School for Social Work and working briefly in Chicago, Dora returned to Toronto and took up the position as Executive Director of the Jewish Family Welfare Bureau in 1931. When the JF&CS was formed in 1943 she served as its first Executive Director. Under her leadership, JF&CS gained a reputation as being one of the most advanced and progressive agencies in Toronto. She was among the first to hire a psychiatric social worker and to introduce play therapy as part of treatment; she remained on top of advances being made in the field in other countries and encouraged her staff to regularly engage in professional development activities.
Dora attempted to enter the United States for professional development in the fall of 1948. She was refused entry by the commissioner of immigration and naturalization. Her aim was to attend a postgraduate course in social work at the University of Pennsylvania. In spite of numerous official letters of endorsement, her application for admission was denied.
Dora was also actively involved in various professional organizations. She was a member of the National Board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers, served on the Board of Governors and various committees of the Canadian Welfare Council, and was active on the Social Planning Council (formerly the Welfare Council of Toronto). In addition, she was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Toronto’s post-graduate course in social work. For her service to the field, she earned both the King George V and Coronation medals.
In 1927, Dora married J. B. Salsberg. Although she legally adopted his name, she always used her maiden name professionally. They did not have any children. On March 20, 1959, Dora passed away from cancer at the age of 56.
Subjects
Charities
Charities
Name Access
Salsberg, J. B.,1902-1998
Wilensky, Dora, 1902-1959
Places
Toronto, Ont.
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Al Gilbert portraits series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 4; Item 29
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Al Gilbert portraits series
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
4
Item
29
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1967]
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm
Admin History/Bio
Nathan Silver was born in 1915 in Poland to Blima and Shul Silver. He married Lily Ann Cooper and they had four children: Shul David, Deborah Ruth, Joseph Baruch, and Bonnie Suzanne. After coming to Canada, he served as a gunner in an artillery division during the Second World War. His occupation was that of a builder and developer and he played an active role within the Toronto Jewish community, operating as National Chairman of the Zionist Revisionist Organization of Canada, executive member of the United Zionist Congress and was a member of the World Executive Zionist Revisionist Movement.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Nathan Silver taken at Al Gilbert's portrait studio.
Name Access
Silver, Nathan
Subjects
Immigrants--Canada
Revisionist Zionists
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Morris Norman collection
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 22; Item 154
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Morris Norman collection
Level
Item
Fonds
22
Item
154
Material Format
object
Date
[nd]
Physical Description
1 item
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 7
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
7
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 2637-2638
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
2637-2638
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1978]
Physical Description
2 photographs
Name Access
Neuschul, Leon
Toronto Hebrew Re-establishment Services
G'Milath Chassodim
Subjects
Charities
Places
Beverley Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
1981-2-9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 2589-2590-2591
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
2589-2590-2591
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[1978 or 1979]
Physical Description
3 slides
Name Access
Jewish Community Services
Finch Avenue
Subjects
Charities
Places
Finch Avenue East (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
1981-2-9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 2652-2665
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
2652-2665
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[ca. 1979]
Physical Description
14 slides
Name Access
Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Charities
Places
Hove Street (Toronto, Ont.)
Accession Number
1981-2-9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 2666-2668
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
2666-2668
Material Format
graphic material
Date
8 Jun. 1978
Physical Description
3 photographs (col. slides)
Scope and Content
Photographs of a meeting of the Social Planning Committee of the Toronto Jewish Congress, probably in the Baycrest Centre board room. Shown are Madeleine Epstein and Martin Mendelow.
Name Access
Epstein, Madeleine
Mendelow, Martin
Social Planning Committe
Toronto Jewish Congress
Subjects
Charities
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
1981-2-9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 5025
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
5025
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Nov. 1958
Physical Description
1 photograph
Scope and Content
Standing on first step of ladder: Murray Atkins.
Notes
Photo by Graphic Artists.
Name Access
United Jewish Appeal
Atkins, Murray
Subjects
Charities
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
1990-1-5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 5030
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
5030
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Nov. 1959
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
Far left: partner of Sussman.
3rd from left: Sussman (Consolidated Building).
5th from left: J.I. Oelbaum.
7th from left: Fisher (brother of Alex).
Second row, far left: Rosenberg.
Second row, 2nd from left: Teddy Richmond.
Second row, 3rd from right: Bert Fine.
Notes
Photo by Graphic Artists.
Name Access
Fine, Bert
Fisher
Oelbaum, J. Irving, 1899-1966
Richmond, Teddy
Rosenberg
Sussman
United Jewish Appeal
Subjects
Charities
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Accession Number
1990-1-5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 5037
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
5037
Material Format
graphic material
Date
6 Nov. 1960
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
2nd from right: Dr. Ralph Halbert.
Extreme right: Hugh Bearg.
5th from right: Bill Kagan.
Notes
Photo by Graphic Artists.
Name Access
United Jewish Appeal
Halbert, Dr. Ralph
Bearg, Hugh
Kagan, Bill
Subjects
Charities
Accession Number
1990-1-5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 5041
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
5041
Material Format
graphic material
Date
16 Nov. 1959
Physical Description
1 photograph
Scope and Content
Front row, 3rd from left: Black.
Front row, 2nd from right: Arthur Minden.
2nd row, left: Buddy Rothschild.
2nd row, at bottom of steps: Murray Atkins.
Top row, left: Noel Zeldin.
Top row, right: Ben Winbaum.
Notes
This is a photocopy.
Name Access
United Jewish Appeal
Black
Minden, Arthur
Rothschild, Buddy
Atkins, Murray
Zeldin, Noel
Winbaum, Ben
Subjects
Charities
Accession Number
1990-1-5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 6022
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
6022
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1988
Physical Description
1 photograph
Scope and Content
Large format photograph.
Subjects
Charities
Places
Israel
Accession Number
1991-8-4
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 1218
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
1218
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1958
Physical Description
2 photographs : (1 negative)
Notes
See accession record.
Name Access
Weinberg, Bernard
United Jewish Appeal
Subjects
Charities
Places
Israel
Accession Number
1977-1-5
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
ID
Item 681
Source
Archival Descriptions
Level
Item
Item
681
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[193-]
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w (1 negative)
Scope and Content
Item is a photograph of Mrs. Sadie Feinberg and Red Cross Workers.
Name Access
Feinberg, Sadie
Red Cross
Subjects
Charities
Repro Restriction
Copyright is in the public domain and permission for use is not required. Please credit the Ontario Jewish Archives as the source of the photograph.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Folks Farein fonds
Level
Fonds
ID
Fonds 105
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Folks Farein fonds
Level
Fonds
Fonds
105
Material Format
textual record
graphic material
architectural drawing
Date
1914-1977
Physical Description
3.07 m of textual records
110 photographs : b&w and col. (hand-tinted) ; 51 x 41 cm or smaller
6 architectural drawings : 70 x 36 or smaller
Admin History/Bio
The Folks Farein, also known as the Hebrew National Association, was established in 1914 by a group of Toronto Jewish immigrants as a society dedicated to anti-missionary and educational outreach. They were first located at 23 Cecil Street and moved to 37 Cecil Street around 1940.
In the early years of the Folks Farein's existence, Christian missions and a number of Jewish converts to Christianity sought to exploit the situation of poor Jews in the community through the distribution of direct relief, services of doctors and midwives and by street-corner preaching and proselytizing. To counteract the work of the Toronto missionaries the Folks Farein offered a number of services including welfare for working mothers, a reading room, English language classes and translation services for Yiddish immigrants.
When the threat from missionary activity was no longer an issue, the Folks Farein transformed itself into a philanthropic society. Under its revised mandate the society looked after the sick and needy in hospitals, sanatoriums, mental health institutions and in their homes, and arranged for free doctor services, translation services, medicine, dentures, eyeglasses, orthopedic shoes and medical appliances. The Folks Farein guaranteed the full or partial payment of medical bills by maintaining a fund in several hospitals for the benefit of Jewish patients in need of assistance. They provided assistance to seniors applying for old age pensions, to widows and mothers applying for benefits, assisted needy families and patients with kosher meals, provided cash relief during Passover, and fed and billeted the unemployed and homeless at their premises at 37 Cecil Street.
In the course of their work, the Folks Farein collaborated with many Jewish organizations and societies such as the Jewish Immigrant Aid Society, Jewish Family Welfare Bureau, Relief Unemployment Fund, Jewish Joint Application Bureau, Jewish Children's Bureau, the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto, Canadian Jewish Congress and the Toronto Hebrew Free Loan Association.
Its basis of revenue came from its large membership, house-to-house contributions from the public and from special events such as its annual ball, Moes Chittin campaign, Purim ball, and beauty contests.
In addition to its regular activities the Folks Farein assumed responsibility for providing aid to refugees of the Second World War: the first group arriving from Europe in 1945 and in 1948 to a group of Jewish tailors liberated from the DP camps of Germany. In 1947, the Folks Farein established Hachnoses Orchim, a temporary shelter to accommodate refugees and displaced persons. The shelter was located at 37 Cecil Street.
The Folks Farein's first officers were Mr. J. Graner (president), Mr. J. Meisniker (vice-president), Mr. Meyer Littner (superintendent), Chuna Mosoff and Mr. W. Welman (trustees), Miss Weiner and Mr. Cohen (board of education), Mr. A. Kaminsky (recording secretary) and Mr. Cohen (treasurer). Mr. Epstein referred to as "Grandfather" was one of the founders of the Folks Farein.
Other pioneers included Moshe Oelbaum, and M. Spiegel (1st vice-president), J. Hurwitz (1st vice-president and president), Abraham Sher, S.M. Shapiro Shlesinger, Joseph Grenner, Mrs. Minna Winter (president of the Women's Auxiliary) and Kalman Wagner. In 1930, David Green assumed the position of president of the Folks Farein and served as its exclusive president from 1934 until his passing on 13 May 1977. Sam Cohen was then elected the new president of the Folks Farein.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records documenting the Folks Farein's philanthropic activities in the Toronto Jewish community from 1914 to 1977. Records include meeting minutes and agendas of the executive board and committees, resolutions of board of directors, newspaper clippings in both Yiddish and English, publicity material, photographs, general correspondence, architectural drawings, cemetery deeds, legal documents, records relating to David Green's personal interests, financial and fundraising records, wills and bequests, and client case files. The records have been arranged into nine series: Meeting minutes; Scrapbooks; Executive services; Celebrations and events; Building and operations; David Green; Finance and fundraising; and Case files.
Notes
Formerly cited as MG2 O1N.
Name Access
Folks Farein
Hebrew National Association (Toronto, Ont.)
Subjects
Charities
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto fonds
Level
Fonds
ID
Fonds 66
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto fonds
Level
Fonds
Fonds
66
Material Format
textual record
object
Date
1917-1939
Physical Description
49 cm of textual records
1 ruler : 6 in.
Admin History/Bio
For many years prior to 1917, Toronto Jewish community leaders had recognized the need to centralize fundraising for all local Jewish charities. The 1912 creation of the Associated Hebrew Charities was a partial improvement, but it proved unable to cope with the rapid growth in pre-war immigration, the effects of the 1916 economic recession, and the funding requirements of many still-unaffiliated agencies. The positive experiences of newly-established Jewish community federations in several American cities did, however, offer a better example for Toronto, where prominent Jewish leaders Edmund Scheuer, Abraham Cohen, and Ida Seigel provided the leadership that finally resulted in the establishment of a Toronto federation.
The Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto was chartered as a charitable organization under the laws of Ontario in September 1917. Its central goal was to end the frequent, uncontrolled, and competitive fund soliciting by a wide range of individual Toronto Jewish philanthropic and social service institutions and instead substitute a single, coordinated, city-wide community fundraising effort. This would ensure adequate and accountable funding for all its affiliated organizations and agencies in Toronto.
Original affiliated agencies of the FJPT were: the Ladies Co-operative Board, the Jewish Orphans' Home, the Jewish Girls Club, the Junior Council of Jewish Women, the Hebrew Ladies Maternity Aid and Sewing Circle, the Hebrew Young Ladies Boot and Shoe Society, the Jewish Branch of the Big Brotherhood Movement, the Hebrew Free Loan Society, the Jewish Dispensary, and the Hebrew Burial Society.
The original officers were: Edmund Scheuer (president), Joseph Singer (first vice-president), Jay J. Allen (second vice-president), Moses Gelber (third vice-president), Charles Draimin (forth vice-president), Eli Pullan (treasurer), and Abraham Cohen (honorary secretary). A board of trustees consisting of forty-five members was also constituted, one-third of whom were to be replaced each year.
Final decision powers of the federation were originally vested in the board, which met monthly and was responsible for funds distribution and the nomination of officers of the federation. The board also had the power to change, by a two-third vote, any federation bylaws, rules, or regulations. The president chaired all board meetings and had, along with the treasurer, signing authority for orders and cheques. In his absence, the president's responsibilities were transferred to the first or other vice-presidents, in order. The treasurer was responsible for receiving all donations and depositing them in the bank. He also had signing authority for disbursals.
A system of committees was also established in order to deal with individual issues such as annual meetings, fundraising, budgets, day-to-day administration, and policy, constitutional, and regulation changes. Recommendations from these committees were sent to an executive committee. When vetted, they were then forwarded to the board of trustees for final approval. By 1924, a new position of executive director was added to the list of officers in order to provide better management of the FJPT administration and to head up the executive committee. Also, by this time, six further agencies had become affiliated: Mount Sinai Hospital, the Jewish Boys' and Girls' Camps, Jewish Big Sisters, the Family Welfare Bureau, the Federation Health Clinic, and the Federation Employment Bureau.
The first office of the FJPT was at 206 Beverly Street, but by 1924 it was headquartered at 218 Simcoe Street. By 1928, it had moved to 179 Beverley Street, which was renamed Scheuer House after the FJPT's first president.
The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 created unprecedented and ever-growing service and monetary demands on the FJPT. Unable to cope, a major change was urgently required. In 1938, the FJPT was thus absorbed into a new and larger organization with an expanded mission and reorganized fundraising operations, the United Jewish Welfare Fund.
Although the FJPT was absorbed into the UJWF in 1938, meetings of the FJPT Board of Management (responsible for funds redistribution to the FJPT's affiliated agencies) continued to January 1939, when these responsibilities were finally transferred to the UJWF.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records documenting the incorporation, public reporting, planning, financial, administration and operational records of the FJPT. Included are: the incorporation certificate, committee meeting agendas and minutes, correspondence, budgets, annual reports and special reports. FJPT operational records document fund-raising, fund re-distribution and ongoing dialogues with member agencies. Records of specialized, short-lived committees document specific subjects such as salaries, a new community centre, funding of camps, and policies concerning the future of the organization are also included.
Series within this fonds are; 1. Incorporation, 2. Annual Meetings, 3. Annual Reports, 4. Board of Trustees, 5. Constitution Committee, 6. Executive Committee, 7. Budget Committee, 8. Sub-Committee Studying Salaries, 9. Policy Study Committee, 10. Fund-raising Campaign, 11. Federation and Camp Representative Group, 12. Committee on the Community Centre, and 13. Board of Management.
Name Access
Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto
Subjects
Charities
Related Material
For records of the United Jewish Welfare Fund, successor to the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, see Fonds 67.
Creator
Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of Toronto (1917-1939)
Source
Archival Descriptions
Accession Number
2023-9-9
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2023-9-9
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
53 photographs : b&w and col. ; 25 x 18 cm or smaller
Date
1977-1996
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material documenting United Israel Appeal of Canada. Included are photographs of various sites in Israel (many under construction), including: Kibbutz Yuron, a student centre in memory of Norman Ratner located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Arthur Fuchs Youth Centre located in Kiryat Shmona, the Leo Baeck School, the Boxer Sports Hall located in Yesud HaMa'ala, and a kindergarten in Gderot Nahanya Hospital. In addition to these photographs, there is a small amount of correspondence and several newspaper clippings.
Use Conditions
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Descriptive Notes
Language: Some of the material is in Hebrew.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
United Israel Appeal
Places
Israel
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-47
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2004-5-47
Material Format
graphic material
textual record
Physical Description
ca. 10 photographs : b&w
1 folder of textual records
Date
1983
Scope and Content
Accession consists of photographs of the UJA Federation on moving day from the J. Irving Oelbaum Centre at 150 Beverley Street to the Lipa Green Building at 4600 Bathurst Street. Also included is a program for the dedication ceremonies of the Lipa Green building.
Use Conditions
Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the Archives to obtain permission prior to use.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-1-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
1979-1-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Date
1912-1914
Scope and Content
Accession consists of a minute book outlining activities of the Associated Hebrew Charities. Included is a letter written to the charities by a woman named Mrs. Green of Coldwater, Ontario, requesting Passover relief support to purchase a set of hens. Also included is a summary of a visit to the 17th American Zionist Convention in Rochester, New York, 1914. The author of the summary is unknown, but is most likely Ida Lewis Siegel.
Administrative History
The Associated Hebrew Charities (AHC) was formed around January 1912, although it is possible that they were working informally before that time. The AHC consisted of eight socieites operating in Toronto, including the Jewish Free Loan and the Hebrew Ladies' Aid Socity. Each society maintained their separate identity and sent three representatives to sit on the Cooperative Relief Board of the AHC. Each society's president presided over the AHC meetings in turn. The AHC was tasked with dispensing charity and providing direct support to families in need as well as Jewish hospital patients, namely in the form of Passover relief. They operated out of 218 Simcoe Street.
Descriptive Notes
Associated Material Note: See accession 2008-3-5 for the finanical ledger book of the Cooperative Board of Jewish Charities.
MG_RG
MG 2 O 1M
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
Associated Hebrew Charities
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-12-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2017-12-1
Material Format
moving images
Physical Description
8 videocassettes : Betacam SP and Digital Betacam
Date
1998-2006
Scope and Content
Accession consists of 8 videocassettes that belonged to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's Creative Department. Cassettes include: United Jewish Appeals The Campaign for Fifty (1998), UJA Federation Symposium of Hope (2003), UJA Federation 2004 "What Will Tomorrow Hold?" Canvasser Training (2003), UJA Federation Tomorrow Campaign "End Video" (2004), UJA Federation Tomorrow Campaign "Tomorrow Campaign" (2004), UJA "Israel Emergency Campaign" (2006)
Custodial History
Amit Louis and Amy Krasin of the Creative Department were cleaning out an old desk in the summer of 2017 and found the tapes. Amit suggested bringing the tapes to the archives, which Amy did sometime thereafter.
Administrative History
UJA Federation's Tomorrow Campaign is Canada’s largest non-profit community development project. It is Federation's response to the need for new facilities and services brought about by the growth of Toronto’s Jewish community.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Israel
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-9-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2018-9-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
42 cm of textual records
Date
2001-2017
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records created and accumulated by Director, Capacity Building for the Social Services Sandi Pelly. Included are: reports, including annual reports; strategic plans; and studies for agencies funded by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Agencies documented in the records include: Bernard Betel Centre, Circle of Care, Chai-Tikvah Foundation, JACS, Jewish Family & Child, JIAS Toronto, JVS Toronto, Kehilla Residential Programme, Reena, and Zareinu Educational Center.
Custodial History
Shortly after Pelly left UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, her records were transferred to the office of Viola Dessanti, vice president of measurement analytics and evaluation. On September 9, 2018 the archivist went through the records, selected those that had archival value, and brought them back to the archives.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-2-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-2-4
Material Format
graphic material
architectural drawing
sound recording
Physical Description
ca.15 cm of textual records 5 DVD
Date
2002-2011
Scope and Content
Accession consists of material created or accumulated by the vice president, strategic community planning and engagement Robin Gofine during her time at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Through her position with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Robin Gofine was involved in numerous project proposals. The following are documented in this accession: Sorel Etrog Central Square, Dubi Wall Mural, UJA Arts and Culture Mission, Jewish Museum of Toronto, Vaughan Campus, Central Campus Redevelopment, Centre for Canadian Jewish Heritage and Culture, and Sherman Campus.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
Gofine, Robin
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-3-6
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-3-6
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
3 folders
Date
1999-2013
Scope and Content
Accession consists of correspondence and other material documenting UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and funded agencies including Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) and Community Planning and Allocation (CP&A).
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-5-1
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-5-1
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
4 cm of textual records
Date
2002-2009
Scope and Content
Accession consists of records of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, the endowment development program of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Included are promotional materials, brochures, annual reports, reports to the community, event and exhibit program guides, newsletters and newspaper articles.
Custodial History
These records were transferred to the OJA from the Creative Department.
Use Conditions
UJA Federation meeting minutes and general correspondence are closed for 10 years from date of creation. Contracts and donor agreements are permanently closed.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Places
Toronto (Ont.)
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-11-4
Source
Archival Accessions
Accession Number
2019-11-4
Material Format
textual record
Physical Description
3 folders of textual records
Date
1922–1936
Scope and Content
Accession consists of three Jewish Family and Child case files.
Administrative History
Jewish Family & Child was established in 1943 from the amalgamation of a variety of different social agencies formed as early as 1868. These included the Ladies Benevolent Fund, the Free Burial Society, Jewish Family Welfare Bureau, Jewish Children’s Bureau, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Ladies Maternal Aid Society. Much of its funding and support after its inception came from the United Jewish Welfare Fund.
The first executive director of the agency was Dora Wilensky. She was a trained social worker who served for twenty-eight years, until her untimely death from cancer in 1959. Jerome Diamond took over in 1960 and Gordon Wolfe succeeded him in 1981. Ron Levin briefly replaced Wolfe after his retirement in 2003, and was succeeded in 2006 by Dr. Richard Cummings who then retired in 2015. As of 2017, Brian Prousky is the organization’s current executive director.
During the early years, fees were established, but the agency never refused to assist clients because of their inability to pay. JF&CS became one of the first agencies to rely on trained social workers. It was also the first social agency in Canada to become unionized.
Over the years the agency’s role has changed and it has expanded significantly, in terms of its staff and services. After the Second World War it played a pivotal role supporting the Holocaust orphans who came to Canada as refugees, particularly in the area of locating foster parents for these children. By 1957, the agency hired its first counsellor and became a member of the United Community Fund of Greater Toronto. The year 1968 marked the start of JF&CS’ new program involving the use of a mobile treatment centre to reach out to Jewish street kids and in 1974 they established the Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Centre.
In 1981, JF&CS was mandated by the Province of Ontario as a Jewish children’s aid society responsible for the care and protection of all Jewish youth in the GTA. In 1983 they established the Just-A-Second Shop at 3101 Bathurst Street, which took in used goods from the community to pass on to needy families. Two years later they established the Henry G. Goodman Home for developmentally handicapped children on Wilmington Avenue. The following year marked the opening of the Elm Ridge Group Living Residence for elderly people. In 1988, they opened a special shelter for abused women and children, and in 1994, they introduced their Homework Club for kids.
The current mission of Jewish Family & Child is to support the healthy development of individuals, children, families, and communities through prevention, protection, counselling, education, and advocacy services, within the context of Jewish values. Their services include counselling, rehabilitation and support, foster care, family services, and community services. These services are offered in a host of different languages including Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, French, and English.
JF&CS is an independent organization that receives its funding from a variety of different sources such as UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, United Way Toronto and York Region, the Government of Ontario, and individual donations.
As of 2017, JF&CS has nearly 130 staff providing more than thirty community services with a budget of almost $20 million. Their main office is located in the Lipa Green Centre for Community Services at 4600 Bathurst Street. They also maintain offices and run services out of their downtown branch at 35 Madison Avenue, their York Region branch inside UJA’s 1 Open Door at the Lebovic JCC, and their Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Centre in midtown Toronto.
Use Conditions
Conditional Access. Researchers must receive permission from the donor prior to accessing the records. Please contact the OJA for more information.
Subjects
Charities
Name Access
Jewish Family and Child
Places
Canada
Source
Archival Accessions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Level
File
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
50 negatives : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Admin History/Bio
Nathan Silver was born in Warsaw, Poland to Blima and Shul Silver. He married Lily Anne Cooper and they had four children: Shul David, Deborah Ruth, Joseph Baruch, and Bonnie Suzanne. Nathan served in the Second World War as an artillery gunner in the Canadian Army. His occupation was that of a builder and developer and he played an active role within the Toronto Jewish community, operating as National Chairman of the Zionist Revisionist Organization of Canada, executive member of the United Zionist Congress, and, as well, he was a member of the World Executive Zionist Revisionist Movement. Nathan Silver was also an advocate of Jewish education and was Chairman for the Executive of the Associated Hebrew Schools.
Scope and Content
File consists of images documenting the Negev dinner held in honour of Nathan Silver at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Included on the evening's programme were: Lewis J.E. Moses; Rabbi Emanuel Forman; Rabbi Joseph Kelman; Hon. Dr. Aba Gefen; Louis L. Lockshin; Eric Exton; Rabbi Dr. David Monson; Cantor Zvee Aroni accompanied by Leo Spellman; Philip G. Givens; William Stevenson; Samuel Shainhouse; and Stephen Berger. This file features several images of the aforementioned individuals participating in their assigned roles for the event.
Name Access
Moses, Lewis J.E.
Forman, Rabbi Emanuel
Kelman, Rabbi Joseph
Gefen, Hon. Dr. Aba
Lockshin, Louis L.
Exton, Eric, 1907-1997
Monson, Rabbi Dr. David
Aroni, Cantor Zvee
Spellman, Leo
Givens, Philip G.
Stevenson, William
Shainhouse, Samuel
Berger, Stephen
Negev dinners
Jewish National Fund
Subjects
Dinners and dining
Revisionist Zionists
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 8
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
8
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 16
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
16
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
Children pictured left to right: Debra, Bonnie, Joey, Shoel.
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 22
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
22
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 27
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
27
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 37; Series 1; File 3; Item 32
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Gilbert Studios fonds
Negev dinners series
Dinner honouring Nathan Silver file
Level
Item
Fonds
37
Series
1
File
3
Item
32
Material Format
graphic material
Date
1967
Physical Description
1 negative : b&w ; 11 x 13 cm
Repro Restriction
Copyright may not be held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission prior to use.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Thelma Harris Rose Family fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
ID
Fonds 115; Series 11; Item 9
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Thelma Harris Rose Family fonds
Artifacts series
Level
Item
Fonds
115
Series
11
Item
9
Material Format
object
Date
1922
Physical Description
1 rattle : silver and mother of pearl ; 9 cm
Scope and Content
Item is a mother of pearl and silver baby rattle that belonged to Thelma Harris.
Physical Condition
The rattle is tarnished but in good condition.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
Publicity photographs of people and events series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 28; Series 6; File 260
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Zionist Organization of Canada fonds
Publicity photographs of people and events series
Level
File
Fonds
28
Series
6
File
260
Material Format
graphic material
Date
[194-?]
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w ; 21 x 26 cm
Scope and Content
The file consists of 2 portrait photographs of Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver and a brief biography.
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Dora Till fonds
Personal series
Personal awards and tributes sub-series
Level
File
ID
Fonds 52; Series 8-1; File 8
Source
Archival Descriptions
Part Of
Dora Till fonds
Personal series
Personal awards and tributes sub-series
Level
File
Fonds
52
Series
8-1
File
8
Material Format
textual record
Date
1977-1978
Physical Description
1 folder of textual records
Source
Archival Descriptions